Road to the American Revolution and The Declaration of Independence

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The 13 Colonies REVIEW Great Britain followed a system of mercantilism- used the colonies for raw materials; more exports than imports Salutary Neglect- British policy of avoiding or not paying attention to the colonies; the colonies governed themselves Navigations Acts (1600’s)- colonies could only trade with the mother country (England) using only British ships

French and Indian War (The Seven Years War) French Empire collided with the British Empire In North America, the English Colonies vs. the French and Native Americans British debt = HIGH TAXES in the 13 English Colonies

French and Indian War

End of the French and Indian War British claimed land east of the Mississippi River Proclamation of 1763- Banned all settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains With new English territory, there was an increased independent spirit among the colonies / colonist.

New British Rules and Taxes Sugar Act- raised taxes on sugar, wine, coffee, etc. Colonies’ Reaction- Colonial merchants protested Stamp Act- taxed all documents from newspapers, playing cards, to contracts; direct tax Colonies’ Reaction- protested, wrote letters, had debates, boycotted British goods

“No Taxation without Representation” Colonist felt they should not be taxed because they did not elect anyone to English Parliament Sons of Liberty was formed Group that opposed English Rule and advocated independence English Parliament repealed the Stamp Act

New British Rules and Taxes Continued… Quartering Act- colonist had to house British Troops in their homes to keep down cost for British Colonies’ Reaction- colonist did not like the “occupation” of British Troops; formed meetings about the acts they did not like

Boston Massacre March 5, 1770

New British Rules and Taxes Continued… Tea Act- required the colonist to buy tea from certain companies Colonies’ Reaction- Protests The Boston Tea Party- Sons of Liberty dumped tea into the Boston Harbor dressed as Indians

New British Rules and Taxes Continued… Intolerable Acts- designed to punish the colonist for the Boston Tea Party Closed Boston Harbor Restricted trial by jury Searches without warrants Quartering of troops without permission No town meetings Boston under Military Rule Colonies’ Reaction- First Continental Congress; Colonies Unite

First Continental Congress September 5 – October 26, 1774 All colonies sent delegates (except Georgia) to Philadelphia, PA Delegates divided on the issue of independence Sent a Letter to King George asking for rights to be restored; wanted to remain loyal to England

Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 Start of the Revolutionary War “Shot heard round the World”

Second Continental Congress Started May 1775 Divided beliefs- independence vs. loyal Chose a leader of the military- General George Washington Wrote the Declaration of Independence Adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Writing that challenged the authority of the British Government Spoke in plain language to common people of America First work that spoke openly about American Independence

More About the Declaration Voted for Independence July 2, 1776 declaration proposed 2 days later Written largely by Thomas Jefferson Parts of the Declaration (p 60-63) Preamble Declaration of Rights List of Grievances Resolution by the United States

The Declaration of Independence